French weekly weather forecast: lots of rain and some storms
Temperature, however, will rise to be significantly higher than seasonal averages
Non-stop rain is likely in some areas this week
Spech/Shutterstock
France is set for a week of weather alerts this week, particularly in the south-east and north as heavy rain and strong winds batter the country.
Temperatures, however, will gradually rise until Thursday when they will reach a peak of around 4C higher than usual for the season.
Several low-pressure Atlantic weather systems will cover France in succession causing the conditions. This is in contrast to the previous weeks, where a calmer, high-pressure system prevented rain.
The risk of prolonged rain throughout this week, especially in holiday hotspots such as the Alps, has led to calls for holidaymakers away for the start of the school holidays to take caution.
Monday October 20
Rain will cover essentially the entire country on Monday, although the south-west will start to become clear in the early afternoon.
Stormy conditions are possible in much of the north and are expected in the south and south-east.
Gales of up to 90 km/h in the north will further agitate conditions in the area.
The rain will last much of the day in the centre, north, south-east and east.
State forecaster Météo France has issued several tier-two yellow weather alerts for stormy conditions, heavy rain, strong winds and strong waves/coastal flooding.
These are mostly in the north and south-east – you can see the alerts here on the forecaster’s official website.
As of 08:00 none of the warnings have been raised to a more severe level, however this may happen later as the day progresses.
Despite the conditions, highs of 17C in the north and 20C - 22C in the south are possible.
The Alps however will feel much cooler, perhaps failing to reach above 10C, with heavy snow expected in the mountains at altitudes of 2,500m and above.
Tuesday October 21
Rain will continue into Tuesday, but be less impactful and is unlikely to be heavy.
North of the Loire, intermittent showers will start and stall, while in the centre, east, and south-east persistent drizzle is likely in several places.
As the day progresses, the rain will drift eastwards towards the German, Swiss, and Italian borders.
Winds of around 60 km/h are likely in the north.
Temperatures will be similar to on Monday, however grey skies will persist even in areas without rain, and it is likely to be humid.
Wednesday October 22
There will be little respite midweek, as the rains drifting further into central Europe are replaced by a new disturbance.
This next bout of Atlantic rain will bring more rain to most of the country, leaving only the Mediterranean and south-east dry.
Storms are not likely in general, although brief outbreaks in the Rhône Valley around Lyon are possible.
Temperatures will rise by around 2C compared to the start of the week, up to 18C/20C in central areas despite the rain, and potentially 23C along the Mediterranean.
Thursday October 23
A new low-pressure system is set to move across France on Thursday, however forecasters are unsure of the exact path it will take.
It is likely to cause rain in the north, as well as a drop in temperatures, but the Mediterranean coast will be unaffected.
Northern areas, particularly along the coast, could see winds of up to 100 km/h.
The exact forecast for central areas is likely to change closer to the date.
Despite the drop in temperatures in parts of the north, national average temperatures will be above 16C. This is around 4C higher than the average for the season, caused mainly by warm conditions along the Mediterranean and in the south-west, as well as mild conditions for the season in Brittany and the west.
Note that next week will see temperatures drop significantly, ending up below average for the season for the end of the month.
Friday October 24
Winds will continue at the same ferocity in the north, especially in the Hauts-de-France region.
Rain is likely to be less severe, however frequent showers are possible essentially everywhere except the Mediterranean.
Early forecasts for the weekend see a sudden drop in temperatures, with rain likely to linger across most of the country.
